Unveiling the Night Mistress: Who is the Daedric Goddess Nocturnal?
Nocturnal is one of the most enigmatic and powerful figures in The Elder Scrolls universe. She reigns as the Daedric Prince (or Princess) of darkness, night, shadows, and secrets. Beyond simply embodying these concepts, Nocturnal embodies the very idea of mystery itself. Often depicted as a hooded figure cloaked in darkness, she’s a being whose motivations are as veiled as her appearance. Her influence stretches across Tamriel, impacting events in subtle, often unseen ways. The Thieves Guild reveres her as their patron, and the secrets she guards are vast and potentially world-altering.
Nocturnal’s Sphere of Influence
Nocturnal’s domain extends far beyond the simple definition of “night.” She’s intrinsically linked to luck, fate, and the unknown. This multifaceted sphere makes her both feared and respected by other Daedric Princes, as her power can influence their own plans and machinations.
Her sphere encompasses:
- Darkness: Not merely the absence of light, but the very essence of shadow and concealment.
- Night: The time when secrets are whispered, and clandestine activities thrive.
- Secrets: Guarding knowledge and insights that others seek to keep hidden.
- Luck: The fickle hand of fortune, often attributed to her whims.
- Mystery: The inexplicable and the unknown, the heart of her very being.
Nocturnal and the Thieves Guild
The most direct interaction players often have with Nocturnal is through The Thieves Guild. In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the Guild’s questline revolves heavily around a relic called the Skeleton Key, a powerful artifact belonging to Nocturnal that was stolen. Restoring the Key to its rightful place is crucial for the Guild’s prosperity and brings the player face-to-face with the Daedric Princess herself. She rewards loyalty and punishes betrayal with equal measure.
The Ur-dra and Her Power
Nocturnal is often referred to as an “Ur-dra,” a term used by the ancient Khajiit (and other sources within the lore) to describe beings of immense power and antiquity. This implies that she is among the oldest and most powerful of the Daedric Princes, perhaps even predating the formal establishment of Oblivion. Her influence is so pervasive that she can manipulate events across multiple planes of existence, making her a force to be reckoned with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nocturnal
Is Nocturnal Good or Evil?
Nocturnal, like other Daedric Princes, isn’t easily categorized as simply “good” or “evil.” She operates according to her own inscrutable agenda, and her actions often serve her own mysterious purposes. While she may aid the Thieves Guild, her motivations are rarely altruistic. She is more amoral than inherently malevolent.
Are Azura and Nocturnal Enemies?
Yes, according to some accounts. Azura, one of the “Good Daedra,” is said to be an enemy of Nocturnal. This antagonism may stem from their contrasting spheres of influence, with Azura representing dawn and change, while Nocturnal embodies darkness and mystery.
Is Nocturnal the Oldest Daedra?
Yes, various sources in the lore suggest that Nocturnal is the oldest Daedric Prince, referred to as an “Ur-dra.” This implies she predates the establishment of Oblivion itself.
Can You Marry Nocturnal in Skyrim?
Unfortunately, you cannot marry Nocturnal in Skyrim. While you encounter her during the Thieves Guild questline, there is no option to propose marriage, even with the Amulet of Mara. It is a popular misconception!
Who is the Champion of Nocturnal?
Shadow Veya, originally Veya Releth, is one of Nocturnal’s champions. Transformed into a Gloam Knight, a twisted husk of her former self, she embodies hate, mystery, and a lack of sympathy, serving Nocturnal’s will without question. Shadow Tundilwen is another champion of Nocturnal.
Is Nocturnal a Daedra or Aedra?
Nocturnal is definitively a Daedric Prince, specifically, she is also refered to as a “Daedric Princess.” She resides in Oblivion and is not associated with the Aedra, who are linked to the creation of Mundus.
How Powerful is Nocturnal Compared to Other Daedric Princes?
Nocturnal is considered one of the most powerful Daedric Princes. Her status as an “Ur-dra” and her ability to influence fate and luck place her among the top tier of Daedric entities. The other Princes both fear and respect her.
Can You Betray Nocturnal in Skyrim?
Yes, it’s possible to betray Nocturnal to a limited degree within Skyrim. While you cannot directly attack her or abandon the Thieves Guild questline entirely without significant consequences, you can make choices that displease her. It’s also possible, just after getting the Skeleton Key, to abandon your followers and rejoin the Guild as if nothing happened.
Can You Have Multiple Wives in Skyrim?
No, you can only have one wife at a time in Skyrim. Even if your spouse dies, you cannot remarry without using mods.
Who is the Most Evil Daedric Prince?
Molag Bal is generally considered the most evil Daedric Prince. He embodies domination, enslavement, and corruption of mortals.
Who is the Weakest Daedric Prince?
This is debatable, but Jyggalag is often considered the weakest, primarily because he was cursed by the other Daedric Princes and transformed into the unpredictable and chaotic Sheogorath.
What Race are Daedra?
Daedra are not a “race” in the traditional sense, but rather a species of supernatural entities originating from Oblivion. They exist outside the mortal realm and possess immense power.
Did Azura Create the Khajiit?
The lore suggests that Azura played a significant role in the creation of the Khajiit from Bosmer.
Why Does Meridia Hate Molag Bal?
Meridia hates Molag Bal primarily because he created vampires. As a Daedric Prince associated with life and light, she deeply despises the undead and considers Molag Bal her immortal enemy.
Could the Dragonborn Defeat Nocturnal?
It’s highly unlikely that the Dragonborn could defeat Nocturnal. While the Dragonborn is a powerful hero, Daedric Princes exist on a different plane of existence and possess near-godlike power. Directly confronting a Daedric Prince in their own realm is almost certainly a losing proposition.
In Conclusion
Nocturnal remains one of the most intriguing and mysterious figures in the lore of The Elder Scrolls. Her influence pervades the shadows, and her secrets are jealously guarded. Understanding her nature is key to understanding the complex tapestry of the Daedric Princes and their impact on the world. To learn more about gaming and its impact on society, consider visiting the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org.